Today's robotic and automotive advances help American farmers provide food and fiber to the world. (NAPS)

(NAPSI)—According to the Census Bureau, there are 3.2 million
farmers operating 2.1 million farms covering 915 million acres. Each U.S. farmer,
reports the Farm Journal Foundation, produces enough food to feed 155 people
and is the leading producer of more than 50 foods of importance to diets
throughout the world.

How They Do It

Fortunately, farmers don’t have to do it all alone. They get big
help in this from sophisticated technologies such as robots, temperature and
moisture sensors, aerial images, and GPS technology. These advanced devices
and precision agriculture and robotic systems let farmers be more profitable,
efficient, safer, and more environmentally friendly.

For example, as the Department of Agriculture reports, farmers no longer
have to apply water, fertilizers and pesticides uniformly across entire
fields. Instead, they can use the minimum quantities required and target very
specific areas, or even treat individual plants differently. Benefits
include:

• Higher crop productivity

• Decreased use of water, fertilizer and pesticides, which in turn
keeps food prices down

• Reduced impact on natural ecosystems

• Less runoff of chemicals into rivers and groundwater

• Increased worker safety.

Robotic technologies enable more reliable monitoring and management of
natural resources, such as air and water quality. They also mean more control
over plant and animal production, processing, distribution and storage, which
results in:

• Greater efficiencies and lower prices

• Safer growing conditions and safer foods

• Reduced environmental and ecological impact.

Utility vehicles are a popular tool on the farm due to the efficiency,
ease of maintenance and maneuverability they offer. To make farm life (as
well as hunting and recreation) even better, there is now a new and improved
version of the best-selling utility side-by-side (SxS) of all time. More than
100 owner-inspired innovations make the new RANGER XP 1000 the
hardest-working, smoothest-riding version ever built.

A powerful ProStar 1000 engine and 82 horsepower provide unmatched power
and more towing capacity for an industry-leading 2,500 lbs. (1,134 kgs) to
power through the toughest farm tasks.

A massive front bumper and full-body skid plate give it added protection,
whether in the barn, out in the brush or traversing tough trails. An all-new
dumping cargo box carries 11.5 percent more volume and has welded steel
corners for increased stiffness to get the job done quicker and faster. For
precision handling, the vehicle has a reduced steering ratio and provides a
tighter turning radius, making it ideal for traversing fields or maneuvering
in tight spaces. Meanwhile, the Polaris engine braking system (EBS) ensures
smooth, controlled descents on steep inclines with or without a load.